Vibrant Celebration of Cultures at Third Annual West Metro Asian Fair in Plymouth

Vibrant Celebration of Cultures at Third Annual West Metro Asian Fair in Plymouth

PLYMOUTH, Minn. (MinneapoliMedia) – June 1, 2025 – Thousands gathered at the Hilde Performance Center in Plymouth on Saturday, May 31, 2025, for the Third Annual Twin Cities West Metro Asian Fair. The event, which ran from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., showcased a vibrant tapestry of Asian cultures through performances, food, and community engagement, drawing an enthusiastic crowd.

Organizers, including Chen Zhou and Dr. Shine Mahipathi, aimed to foster a sense of togetherness and share the rich diversity of Asian heritage with the broader community. "We want to promote togetherness, friendship, celebration," said Dr. Mahipathi, a co-founder of the fair. Zhou added that the event is a way to "connect the Asian community together, while also sharing their cultures with the rest of the community. Everybody together, that vast difference in culture, makes Asia a great continent."

Attendees enjoyed a full day of activities, with highlights including:

• Diverse Performances: Thirteen different ethnic groups took to the stage, presenting traditional music, captivating dance routines, and martial arts demonstrations.
• Culinary Delights: A wide array of food booths offered authentic Asian cuisine, allowing visitors to savor diverse flavors.
• New Attractions: This year's fair introduced a lively parade and a fun-filled watermelon eating contest, adding new dimensions to the festivities.
• Cultural Booths: Various organizations and exhibitors, including youth groups like the Alliance of Youth Leaders in the United States (AYLUS) and cultural programs such as the Hopkins XinXing Chinese immersion program, provided cultural displays and information.
• Community Focus: The free event emphasized inclusivity and learning, with an estimated 10,000 people having attended the previous year and organizers anticipating further growth.

A significant aspect of the fair was its commitment to sustainability. For the second consecutive year, organizers partnered with Ziran, a sustainability-focused nonprofit, to minimize waste. Grace Li, a co-founder of Ziran, noted their success in waste diversion, with clear stations for trash, organics, and recycling.

The Twin Cities West Metro Asian Fair, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, is co-organized by groups including JADE (Japanese American Development & Empowerment). The event continues to grow as a significant cultural celebration in the West Metro, successfully bringing diverse communities together to learn, appreciate, and celebrate Asian heritage.

MinneapoliMedia